Bad breath despite thorough brushing is a common problem that affects many people. Those who brush their teeth every day expect fresh breath – but sometimes the unpleasant odor simply persists. Why is this? And what can you do about bad breath if brushing alone isn't enough? In this article, we explain the causes of bad breath despite brushing, offer practical solutions, and introduce Streptococcus salivarius M18 , an innovative probiotic method that is gaining increasing popularity.
Why do I have bad breath despite brushing my teeth?
Bad breath is primarily caused by bacteria in the mouth. They produce sulfur compounds that smell unpleasant. But why is brushing often not enough?
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Incomplete oral cleaning: Brushing primarily removes plaque from the visible surfaces of the teeth, but doesn't always reach the spaces between the teeth or the back of the tongue, where bacteria can settle.
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Tongue coating: The tongue is often the main source of bad breath. This coating, a buildup of dead cells and bacteria, is often neglected in dental care.
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Dry mouth (xerostomia): Saliva neutralizes bacteria and odors. A dry mouth, on the other hand, promotes the growth of unpleasant-smelling bacteria.
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Dental diseases: Caries or gum inflammation (gingivitis, periodontitis) can cause bad breath.
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Systemic diseases: Sometimes there is a health cause such as gastrointestinal problems, diabetes or liver disease.
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Diet and lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol or strong-smelling foods can further impair your breath.
Streptococcus salivarius M18 – A probiotic helper against bad breath
In recent years, probiotic treatment for bad breath has gained increasing attention. One important candidate is the bacterium Streptococcus salivarius M18 . This probiotic lactic acid bacterium occurs naturally in the mouth and contributes to the balance of the oral flora.
How does Streptococcus salivarius M18 work against bad breath?
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Inhibits odor-causing bacteria: Streptococcus salivarius M18 produces natural substances such as bacteriocins, which inhibit the growth of harmful, odor-causing bacteria.
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Improves oral flora: Colonization with M18 can reduce the number of unpleasant-smelling microorganisms in the long term.
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Strengthens oral health: M18 supports the defense against gum inflammation and promotes the natural protective function of the oral cavity.
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Easy to use: Probiotic capsules or lozenges with Streptococcus salivarius M18 are well tolerated and can be used as a supplement to daily oral care.
Studies show that regular intake of Streptococcus salivarius M18 can significantly reduce bad breath – even in people who suffer from bad breath despite brushing their teeth.
How can I effectively combat bad breath despite brushing my teeth?
1. Clean your tongue regularly
Tongue coating is a major source of bad breath. Use a tongue scraper or the special back of your toothbrush daily to remove the bacteria.
2. Carefully clean the spaces between your teeth
Dental floss or interdental brushes help remove food debris and bacteria from the spaces that a toothbrush cannot reach.
3. Probiotic support with Streptococcus salivarius M18
Targeted supplementation with Streptococcus salivarius M18 can help harmonize the oral flora and reduce the number of odor-causing bacteria in the long term.
4. Use mouthwashes and proper dental care products
Antibacterial mouthwashes without alcohol help reduce bacteria count and freshen breath without drying out the mouth.
5. Drink plenty of water and avoid dry mouth
Sufficient fluid stimulates saliva production, which takes care of natural cleaning in the mouth.
6. Adjust your diet
Reduce strong-smelling foods such as garlic and onions, and incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables that have a positive effect on the oral flora.
7. Regular check-ups with the dentist
Professional dental cleaning and dental check-ups prevent diseases that cause bad breath.
8. Home remedies for bad breath
Natural methods such as chewing parsley or gargling with salt water can be helpful.
Summary: Effective measures against bad breath despite brushing your teeth
| Caused | Solution | To use |
|---|---|---|
| Tongue coating | Daily tongue cleaning with a scraper | Removes bacteria and plaque, reduces odor |
| Food residue in interdental spaces | Use of dental floss or interdental brushes | Improves cleaning, prevents bacterial growth |
| Imbalance of the oral flora | Taking Streptococcus salivarius M18 (probiotics) | Inhibits odor-causing bacteria, improves oral flora |
| dry mouth | Drink plenty of water, use mouthwashes without alcohol | Promotes saliva production, natural cleansing |
| Gingivitis, caries | Regular dental visits, professional teeth cleaning | Treats diseases, prevents bad breath |
| Nutrition | Reduction of garlic/onions, more fresh fruit and vegetables | Minimizes odor-causing substances, supports healthy oral flora |
| lifestyle | Stop smoking and avoid alcohol | Prevents additional sources of odor |
Frequently asked questions about bad breath despite brushing your teeth
Can I treat bad breath with probiotic bacteria alone?
Probiotics such as Streptococcus salivarius M18 are a valuable supplement, but not a replacement for basic oral hygiene. The most effective approach is a combination of thorough care and probiotic support.
How long does it take for Streptococcus salivarius M18 to work?
Studies show that regular use over several weeks can lead to noticeable improvement.
Is Streptococcus salivarius M18 safe?
Yes, it is a bacteria that occurs naturally in the mouth and is well tolerated and safe.
Conclusion
Bad breath despite brushing can have many causes, from poor oral hygiene to disease or dietary habits. The solution lies in comprehensive care: thorough brushing, daily tongue cleaning, interdental cleaning, adequate fluid intake, and targeted support with probiotic bacteria such as Streptococcus salivarius M18 .
This probiotic method offers an innovative, natural way to promote the balance of oral flora and reduce bad breath in the long term. Complemented by a healthy diet and regular dental visits, bad breath can be effectively controlled despite brushing.
